TEENAGE sensation Sam Wedgbury could be in line for a shock FA Cup start at St George's Lane this Saturday.

The emerging 16-year-old midfielder has earned glowing praise following his two substitute appearances for Worcester City.

Wedgbury, a first-year youngster at City's academy, made his name with a stunning debut in the 7-0 triumph over Bemerton Heath Harlequins.

Arriving off the bench to replace injured Nick Colley, Wedgbury became the club's youngest ever FA Cup goal-scorer with a tremendous 20-yard strike.

He starred again at Lancaster City with his first taste of Nationwide North action, stepping in for Liam McDonald on the hour-mark and looking at ease among his older peers.

Wedgbury again showed the full range of his abilities, switching play using both feet, neatly retaining possession and almost repeating his cup goal with a long-range effort.

Throwing Wedgbury into the tight battle at Giant's Axe -- which ended in a 0-0 stalemate -- epitomised the confidence player-manager Andy Preece has in the Oldbury-based teenager.

McDonald and Tom Warmer are likely to keep their places in midfield for the third qualifying round clash against Tonbridge Angels, but Preece insists Wedgbury is a serious contender to start the tie.

"Sam made a difference at Lancaster when he came on," said Preece. "I think with his performances, he's now really pushing for a start.

"He's got the quality to work teams and has got good abilities. I thought it was the right time to bring him on against Lancaster and he did very well.

"He doesn't rush on the ball and is very aware of what is around him. If he keeps doing well, he's going to force himself into the team. He is a consideration for Saturday."

Wedgbury was one of three academy youngsters on the bench at Lancaster, as left-back Dale Watkins and Troy Wood, Worcester's youth team top scorer this season, also made the trip.

With City's injury worries unlikely to ease ahead of the FA Cup showdown, another inexperienced substitute line-up is expected.

Preece added: "The young lads are getting an opportunity and are taking it. It's important that people coming through are given a chance."

Nick Colley (hamstring) and Les Hines (thigh) are serious doubts, while George Clegg (hamstring), Jai Stanley (knee) and James Smith (neck) are definitely out.

Preece, who dropped himself at Lancaster after suffering headaches throughout the week, is set to return to the squad.